Discover Efficiency In production, efficiency means a machining process that is perfectly tuned to the requirements of the components from beginning to end. Precision tools are the key to faster, more precise, and cost effective processes. This is particularly true in the automotive sector, where tools are fast becoming the main pillar of large volume production. Here at LMT Tools, we have developed a special tool package for you, our customers, that combines the range of services offered by leading experts in the field and is the perfect fit for every production requirement worldwide: • LMT...

Tool solutions that will change technology Transmission and clutch housing 14 Gear cutting and thread components 16 Steering and chassis components 18 Tool services and tool management 22 Lightweight construction, downsizing, alternative drives - there is hardly another industry facing similar challenges to the automotive sector. As a result, the production process is continuously changing as well. Precision tools play an important role in this context. Example downsizing: Engines are getting smaller and lighter. This is the only way to comply with the more stringent emission laws. And it does...

Automotive components Customized tool solutions for every component Over the next few decades, experts expect an increasing diversification of the automotive industry. This means different drive concepts, a broader model range and more flexible value-added chains. This development also changes production. On the one hand, manufacturers have to process a larger number of different components and variants of components at a single location. On the other hand, the performance, functional density and complexity of these components is increased significantly. The key to guaranteeing efficient production...

Project management Finding the perfect production system Project study When a project begins, the LMT Tools engineering experts start by creating the functional specifications. Based on this document, they develop a detailed project offer, including conceptual drawings for tools, information on processing strategies and 3D models and collision analyses. Automotive components are becoming more and more complex. At the same time, processing of these components is expected to become more streamlined. Without a comprehensive tool strategy it is hardly possible to reach this goal. Most processes also...

Cylinder crankcase Large volume production – accurate down to the last micrometer Extreme forces are at work inside the cylinder crankcase. The component has to sustain increasing specific forces, such as a high ignition pressure and speed. Only when processed precisely down to the last micrometer can it be guaranteed that the engine is efficient and runs smoothly. This has the following implications for the cylinder bore: The processing quality required here is almost unparalleled in industrial production. During the process, a defined surface quality and perfect roundness must be achieved....

Cylinder head The challenge of downsizing Eight-cylinder engines are reduced to six cylinders, six-cylinder engines to ones with four or even three cylinders – the engines in the automotive industry are shrinking. This changes the requirements to the cylinder head, which is also becoming smaller. The precise machining of the complex geometry becomes a difficult task. When experts talk about the “thermomechanical challenges” in modern engines, they are also – and specifically – referring to the cylinder head: There are not many other components that the highly compressed combustion process with...

Engine components Special challenges for heat-resistant materials In modern motors, the intake air is compressed even more due to the use of high performance turbochargers. This improves the efficiency of the fuel combustion. The strain this puts on this and other components is obvious. But what does it mean for your chipping processes? Manufacturers use the high compression combustion process to increase the engine capacity of their models to new dimensions. Powerful petrol and diesel engines sometimes even include several turbochargers. Inside these engines, the impeller turns at a rate of...

Transmission and clutch housing Thin wall structure – complex shape Automatic transmissions with eight gears or more are now standard. This ensures that the engine speed range is always ideal, which in turn helps lower fuel consumption in passenger cars. But the weight of the gearbox still needs to be reduced. To achieve this, thin-walled housings are used – a highly sensitive task for the cutting tools. More components, less weight in total? What sounds impossible is now becoming reality in the production of transmissions. Every single component is designed with a lower weight. The housing is...

Gear cutting and thread components Getting your large-scale production processes up to speed Large-scale production is the key in the automotive industry – large quantities of transmissions and engines are required. Reducing the machining times while securing a high level of process reliability is therefore essential. Innovations such as additional hybrid engines, dual-clutch transmissions or 9-speed automatic transmissions all stand for an increasing number of gearwheels that perform their duties in the car. This development goes along with a constant pressure to further optimize processes....

Steering and chassis components Maximum precision for stability and safety In the area of the chassis and steering many innovations have occurred. Electronics and lightweight construction make the vehicles safer and more economical. However, the constant development pressure also affects the production processes of core components. The car of the future will take over many tasks of the driver. Driving errors should become a thing of the past. Examples of this development are innovations such as assistance systems, an active chassis or an electric steering system. This also affects core components...